COVID-19: Where can I find help?

Many people in our community are looking for help and there's never been a more important time to find factual information. I recommend you trust and follow Government services and advice where relevant. Below is a list of important and essential services that can provide assistance if you have been affected by COVID-19 or the public health response that has seen so many activities shut down.

Where can I find information regarding income support?

Almost overnight, many people in Melbourne have found themselves without work or income. You may be entitled to either the JobSeeker payment (previously Newstart) and stimulus payments, or the JobKeeper wage subsidy, that is paid to your employer to keep you employed during the crisis.

When can I leave the house?

I’m struggling to pay the rent

Evictions

As of 29 March, your landlord CANNOT serve a notice to vacate if you CAN’T pay rent. You can still get evicted for other reasons (if you damage the property, use it for criminal activity, or if serious violence occurs) or if you are able to pay rent, but willfully do not. This ban on evictions will be in place for six months, until 26 September 2020.

Rent Increases

Your landlord will not be able to increase your rent for the next six months, until 26 September 2020.

What if you can't pay the rent?

You should contact your landlord or real estate agent as soon as possible to ask for a rent reduction, to an amount that you can afford. When you reach an agreement, make sure it’s in writing.

Your landlord will not be able to list you on a residential tenancy database (blacklist) if you are unable to pay rent because of coronavirus.

How do you access the $2000 rent relief grant?

If rent is still more than 30% of your income after negotiating a rent reduction with your landlord, you can apply for the government’s rent relief grant.

Up to $2000 in rent assistance is then available ONLY IF you earn less than $100,000 and have less than $5,000 in savings.

The Greens are really concerned about the power imbalance between landlords and renters, and we are urging the government to provide more support to renters during this time to ensure everyone gets a fair deal.

If your landlord or agent is refusing to negotiate,let us knowand we may be able to assist.

I’m struggling to pay the mortgage

Lenders have been encouraged by the federal government to offer payment relief.

Help us spread the word and share here

Sitemap

We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri as the Traditional Owners of this country, pay tribute to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and give respect to the Elders past, present and emerging.